Master of Social Work - Social Work within Justice Systems

Our CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree program prepares students with the competencies and practice behaviors necessary for advanced social work practice in an area of specialization.

The Generalist portion of the MSW curriculum provides a generalist perspective on social work practice. Curriculum areas include social work practice, human behavior and the social environment, social work research, social welfare policy and services, and field instruction.

The Specialization portion of the MSW curriculum builds upon the foundation. Advanced curriculum content, tailored to the specialization, is provided in the areas of mental health, child and family services, organization and community practice, school social work practice, and practice within justice systems.

This program option is completed in 2 academic years.

Social Work within Justice Systems: Launched in Fall 2022, the Social Work within Justice Systems Specialization (SWJS) prepares students to engage, partner with, support, and advocate for children, youth, and adults impacted by the juvenile or criminal justice systems. Central to building skills and knowledge will be learning and incorporating how systemic racism and structural violence lead to disparities in treatment and disproportionate adverse outcomes for persons of color. The learning approach will be trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strengths-based, and will emphasize the development of advanced knowledge and skills in practice with individuals, families, and groups. Students will explore some of the most salient dynamics of clinical practice and learn theories of crime and delinquency, how to analyze justice system policies, and reform efforts, particularly how to be involved in transforming a system of control and oppression into one of healing and restorative justice.

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college university Grade point average GPA of at least 2.75 A EQUALS TO 40 for the final 60 semester 90 quarter hours of undergraduate study Liberal arts background consisting of credit received on the collegiate level in the following area Social and Behavioral Sciences 20 semester30 quarter hours Statistics course passed with a minimum grade of C The minimum requirements and supporting documentation MUST be received by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid by June 30 WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS Interviews are required for transfer applicants All other interviews are at the discretion of the Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission The complete application is taken into consideration during the application review process All complete applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed and given consideration The application is dynamic and certain pieces of information are required before additional pages unlock Program Option Designation Resume Personal Statement You may enter up to 100 words per question Please answer all questions Three 3 Letters of Reference University will automatically contact the references email to request an electronic letter of recommendation Academic Transcripts Upload and submit official academic transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate schools attended UIC undergraduate students will not need to submit credentials for UIC coursework A UIC transcript will post to the application within a day or two of submission Statistics If not included in your academic transcript as stated in 5 upload the verification statement or certificate TOEFL 80 with sub-scores of Reading 19 Listening 17 Speaking 20 and Writing 21 iBT Test 60 with sub-scores of Reading 19 Listening 17 Writing 21 revised Paper-Delivered Test OR IELTS 6.5 with sub-scores of 6.0 for all four sub-scores OR PTE Academic 54 with sub-scores of Reading 51 Listening 47 Speaking 53 and Writing 56